(edited for typos and spelling mistakes)

I think italki is partly responsible as they keep that cumbersome search page. I would have to spend a good 15-30 min to select a teacher who fits my learning needs and budget.

It is not user-friendly at all. That's why I personally do not take lessons from teachers here anymore. Not because there aren't many competent teachers who cater to beginner to intermediate students. It's just tiring to do a search.

Besides, some people take community tutors differently from professional teachers. Those people should be reminded that they have sessions with tutors, not online chat friends. I think your problem reflects the unclear position of community tutors on italki.

There were several factors for me that went in to my choice for a teacher.

I certainly agree that someone should not just pick the first person on the list.

For me, I knew I needed a teacher for what I wanted to achieve. I also knew what time of day I'd be able to take the lessons. I went through the profiles, checking how much it would cost me for the number of lessons per month I wanted to take. I then wanted to ensure I could understand the teacher, which required listening to the profile video. I wanted to ensure the method of learning I wanted to use was acceptable to the teacher. I settled on one teacher based upon criteria I needed and then scheduled a trial lesson. During this trial lesson, I knew I had found the right teacher for me.

Now, after many lessons with the teacher, there is a relationship that goes far beyond what I thought might be. I know what to expect during the lessons, and she knows what to expect from me. I look forward to homework. I do more than she requires, and she knows I'll consistently do more than she asks.

If I had just chosen a random teacher that came up first, I might not be in the same position as I am now. To me, relationships are vital. There are bonds in relationships that go beyond mere words. Thanks to my teacher I am becoming confident in my abilities. I know when I make mistakes that she won't make me feel stupid. I know she will correct me in such a way that I learn from my mistakes.

Reiko I can't really say much more than the suggestion of reading the tutor or teachers profile first.

I can let you know, though how I am looking for an English tutor/teacher to help my grammar. First I went to 'Find a Teacher' search. I clicked on the language at the top and changed it to English. I clicked on 'From' the United States. Then Category- General- Grammar. Price I lowered to $16 at the most. Then I went down the list and started watching one intro video after another. I watched at least 10 to 15 intro videos. If they seemed friendly I clicked on 'Intro' which shows a brief part of their bio. Then if that still interested me, I clicked on their actual profile name or 'read more'. Then I read all of the bio. I looked at their availability. I took one trial lesson yesterday with a tutor and I have two more trials scheduled with professional teachers. I am keeping an open mind and not automatically going to go with the first person that I had a trial lesson with because I want to give the other people a chance. Once I have all the trial lessons then I will decide which one will be my tutor/teacher.

Val I know. As much as it's flattering to hear, "You're the first person I saw, so I choose you!" If you're spending money, picking the person that you first actually see and not see the other choices is kind of an unwise move. And makes me really think that some choose based on looks alone.

I can't believe that somebody can choose a teacher without exploring the teacher's profile, at least prices are different!